Biggest Loser Results

After 8 weeks of competition, the Biggest Loser contest at work is complete. I was in first place for the first week, second place for the rest of the contest, except one week when I slipped to third place while I was on vacation and couldn't weigh in but went back to second place for the duration of the contest...until the final weigh in. We didn't have to weigh in at work on Week 7, which was good because I gained weight that week. After my final 8th week weigh-in, I finished in third place out of the 13 women in the contest. I only had to compete against the women but finished in 6th place out of the remaining 25 contestants. There were two others but one dropped out and the other got fired.

I lost 15 lbs over the course of 8 weeks. There were multiple ways I stayed successful and continued to lose weight and some facts about my 8 weeks:

• I eliminated all processed foods. I used to eat a Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice or Smart Ones for lunch every single day for years. No more. Everything that I eat (with exception of restaurants and some snacks) I now prepare. I have a salad and veggies every day and eat small amounts of protein for every meal or snack.
• I always made sure I was prepared. Whether it was cooking chicken or other protein, I made sure I had enough for the next day at lunch or another variation for the next dinner. It was sometimes time consuming to do this every day but it was worth it and now it's become a habit. I like knowing that I am controlling what I eat.
• I eliminated sugar. Sugar is the devil and will make you fat. I already have slightly elevated levels of triglycerides so this was important to me. I did treat myself to one piece of sugar free candy every night to keep myself from falling off the wagon and also to feed my chocolate addiction. :) I am curious as to how my tri's count will be come my next doctor's appointment in April.
• Overall, I followed a low-carb diet. I cut out the whites...refined foods, white flour, sugar, starchy (potatoes, rice), etc. These are the bad carbs that make you store fat instead of burning it.
• I ate low-carb bars and almonds for snacks. I have always liked almonds but now I've learned to love them. You just can't eat too many at one time. I also like a lot of the low carb bars. I bought Atkins bars mostly but another brand that I can't remember the name of also.
• I exercised but not very consistently. I did great in January but then was in Florida for 11 days, then got a cold and then I was off track. Never really picked it up much in the gym after that. I need to be more consistent with this.
• I lost a total of 12.75 inches off of my body between January 12th and February 28th (my last measurement). I am very glad I decided to measure myself since the scale was depressing some days.
• I'm fitting into clothes that I haven't for a long time. Yay!
• My journey isn't over. I have pledged to lose a certain amount of weight through the Pound for Pound Challenge. I have until June 30th to complete my goal. I have close to 16 more weeks to complete this goal. I will need to lose over 1 lb a week to make my pledged goal.
• Wish me luck!